Faulk, who tore his ACL last season, will have a shot to prove that he still has enough in the tank to help the Patriots in a complementary role. He's a trusted leader/veteran who knows the team's system like the back of his hand and assuming his health, he can contribute in a change-of-pace role, albeit one that doesn't figure to carry much fantasy value.

2010

The underrated Faulk accepts his role as complementary player and continues to get it done for the Patriots, who he has been with since entering the league in 1999. He finished the 2009 season with 62 carries for 335 yards and two rushing TDs to go along with 37 catches for 301 yards and a score in 15 games, numbers that he should approach again this coming season, as he reprises his customary duties with the team.

2009

Despite missing the 2008 opener due to a suspension, the steady jack-of-all trades quietly racked up enough stats to be a top 25-30 scoring RB in most leagues. While he's never going be a workhorse-type back for the Pats, the team's coaches have great trust in Faulk's ability to capably carry out any assignment they give him. As a result, look for him to return in the same role next year, but fantasy points figure to be harder to come by with a healthy Laurence Maroney and newcomer Fred Taylor added to a mix that also includes Sammy Morris.

2008

The underrated Faulk continues to be far more valuable to the Patriots than fantasy owners. He doesn't get a ton of carries (62 last year), but he remains a vital part of the New England passing game. He ended up third on the team with 47 receptions. He'll reprise his usual change-of-pace role in 2008.

2007

Faulk, whose 43 receptions tied for third on the team last season, will reprise his change of pace running back role with the Pats, who will now feature Laurence Maroney, with Corey Dillon gone. His value in real terms far exceeds his limited fantasy upside.

2006

The unheralded Faulk remains a prototypical change-of-pace back behind projected starter Corey Dillon and he will reprise that role this season. The big difference between this year and last is that Laurence Maroney is now in the fold, which ensures that Faulk will be used as more of a specialist and will not be the default pickup in the event of a Dillon (or Maroney) injury.

2005

Faulk is the perfect change-of-pace back behind starter Corey Dillon and that's the role The Patriots would prefer to keep him in. If Dillon goes down, Faulk who is No. 2 on the RB depth chart, may be leap-frogged by Cedric Cobbs, who seen as more suited to every down duty.

2004

The Pats brought back Faulk, who will retain his duties as a change of pace back for the team. With Corey Dillon on board and expected to carry the bulk of the load, Faulk's fantasy value takes a hit, but obviously the Patriots like having him around as an insurance policy.

2003

It's been bandied about that Faulk might be the ideal featured back for the Patriots (based on their current roster), though some doubt he's big enough (5-8, 202 pounds) to handle the pounding that goes with 15-20 touches a game. Faulk actually had just three games last season where he saw 10 touches or more, though it's very telling that (a) the Patriots won all three of those games, and (b) Faulk had 315 yards and three touchdowns over that sample. It would be interesting to see what he could do with more work, but we'd be surprised if the team radically altered his role for 2003. Expect Faulk's production to go up by a third over last year.